Tag: Minnesota Timberwolves

by Richard Miller (US)

Timberwolves Dominate Bucks 129-105, Spoil Doc Rivers’ Home Debut

MILWAUKEE — The Minnesota Timberwolves showcased their sharpshooting prowess, hitting 21 of 41 from beyond the arc, to secure a comprehensive 129-105 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night. This win came at the expense of the Bucks’ new head coach, Doc Rivers, who was making his home debut after a challenging five-game road trip that saw Milwaukee go 1-4.

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 26 points and nine assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns, Mike Conley, Naz Reid, and Rudy Gobert contributed significantly to the scoring effort. Edwards emphasized the joy in seeing his team take and make confident shots, underscoring a night where the Timberwolves’ offense clicked on all cylinders.

The game also marked a less-than-ideal scenario for the Bucks, who were without key players Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton due to sprained ankles. Brook Lopez’s return, following a brief hiatus for the birth of his child, was a silver lining, but it was not enough to counteract the Timberwolves’ offensive barrage.

Both teams entered the game with depleted rosters following trade deadline moves. The Bucks acquired Patrick Beverley in exchange for Cam Payne and a second-round pick, while the Timberwolves traded for Monte Morris, sending Troy Brown, Shake Milton, and a second-round pick to the Detroit Pistons. The absence of Beverley and Morris, along with Lillard and Payne, left the Bucks without a pure point guard, complicating their game plan against a surging Timberwolves team.

As the game slipped away in the third quarter, Rivers made the decision to rest Giannis Antetokounmpo, prioritizing his health ahead of a busy schedule. The Timberwolves capitalized, extending their lead to as much as 28 points and never looking back.

Despite the loss, A.J. Green provided a bright spot for the Bucks, scoring a career-high 27 points, including an impressive 7 of 8 from three-point range. Jae Crowder also had a standout performance, hitting season highs in points, rebounds, and assists.

The Timberwolves’ victory was a testament to their collective effort and communication, particularly on defense, which allowed them to disrupt the Bucks’ offense effectively. Conley highlighted the importance of this communication and the impact it had on their defensive performance.

Looking ahead, the Timberwolves will take their momentum to Los Angeles, where they face the Clippers on Monday. The Bucks, meanwhile, will seek to bounce back quickly as they host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, hoping for the return of their sidelined stars to bolster their lineup.

This matchup underscored the Timberwolves’ potential when their offense is firing on all cylinders, while the Bucks are reminded of the challenges ahead as they navigate injuries and integrate new players into their system.

by Abhishek Shukla

Edwards Ignites Wolves to Victory Over Rockets

MINNEAPOLIS — Anthony Edwards erupted for 22 of his 32 points in a game-changing third quarter, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a convincing 111-90 win over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night. The victory, which snapped a close contest wide open after halftime, highlighted Edwards’ scoring prowess and secured a much-needed boost for the Timberwolves, ending their game on a high note.

Rudy Gobert complemented Edwards’ offensive explosion with a double-double, amassing 17 points and 13 rebounds, alongside contributing to Minnesota’s season high-tying 11 blocks. Karl-Anthony Towns, recently named to his fourth All-Star game, added 14 points and 10 rebounds, further solidifying the Timberwolves’ dominance in the paint.

The first half saw Edwards struggling with his shot, managing just six points on 1 of 8 shooting. However, the third quarter witnessed a remarkable turnaround as Edwards shot an impressive 9 for 12 from the field, including 4 for 5 from beyond the arc, single-handedly outscoring the Rockets 22-20 in the period. Gobert praised Edwards’ aggressive play, emphasizing how attacking the rim opened up his perimeter shooting.

The Timberwolves’ win was not just a testament to their on-court performance but also a celebratory moment for Coach Chris Finch, who earned the honor to lead the Western Conference in the upcoming All-Star game. The team acknowledged Finch’s leadership by showering him with cold water in a post-game locker room celebration, a moment Finch described as reflective of their collective effort this season.

On the other side, the Rockets struggled offensively, with Alperen Sengun leading the team with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Rookie Cam Whitmore made a notable contribution with 14 points in the second half, but the team’s overall shooting efficiency was lacking, as evidenced by their 35.2% shooting from the field. Jalen Green’s off night, marked by a 3 of 15 shooting performance, underscored Houston’s offensive woes.

The Timberwolves entered the game boasting the NBA’s best defensive record, a fact that resonated throughout the match as they stifled Houston’s attempts to establish a rhythm. Despite committing nine turnovers in the second quarter, Minnesota regrouped and, led by Edwards, embarked on a decisive 16-2 run in the third quarter to seize control of the game.

As both teams look ahead, the Rockets are set to face Indiana on Tuesday night, while the Timberwolves will begin a five-game road trip starting in Chicago, also on Tuesday. This win not only enhances Minnesota’s standing but also positions Coach Finch and his players for continued success as they navigate the remainder of the season.